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Boonton commission approves two Main Street sign requests, restricts awning text and flags lighting issues
Summary
The Boonton Historic Preservation Commission approved signage for 811 and 506 Main Street with conditions: no text on existing awnings and staff confirmation that existing lighting complies with the district ordinance. Commissioners also raised broader code-enforcement and design-guideline concerns for Main Street.
The Boonton Historic Preservation Commission approved two Main Street signage applications on Tuesday evening while urging the town to clarify rules for awnings and exterior lighting.
The commission approved two window-mounted signs for 811 Main Street after reviewing measurements and ordinance limits. Applicant Paul Tloth introduced the application and said the signs were designed for the building’s second-floor windows and that "we believe our signs meet all the requirements of the district." Commissioners asked clarifying questions about size and mounting and then voted to approve the signs as presented.
Commissioner Elliot Ruga pressed the commission on the ordinance’s window-area limit, saying a "window sign or a window decal ... should be no larger than 33% of the window area" and walking through the arithmetic for a typical 6-by-6-foot window. Ruga concluded the proposed signs were near the threshold but likely within the allowable percentage.
Separately, the commission approved a signage package for 506 Main Street (new business Empire and J Cafe) presented by applicant Felix Lopez, with two conditions: the commission prohibited any text or graphics on the existing straight awnings (which lack the required apron) and required staff to confirm that the existing lighting associated with the blade sign complies with the town ordinance. Lopez told the commission the window decals would be fixed behind glass and not illuminated and said he expected to open on Friday.
Commissioners noted those conditions because the district’s design rules restrict graphics on awnings without an apron and because several older blade signs and lighting fixtures on Main Street appeared to use unshielded or indirect fixtures. "I would like to add some clarity and diagrams in the design guidelines," Commissioner Ruga said, proposing that the commission clarify permitted lighting types and consult with code enforcement about older fixtures.
The commission also discussed other recent Main Street installations that appear to have been installed or lit without full approvals, including vinyl graphics and colored LED elements at separate storefronts. Members urged clearer communication to applicants and suggested restoring a routine enforcement report from the town’s code-enforcement office so the commission can track outstanding violations and follow-up actions.
In other business, staff reported that Amanda Brochart, director of archives and heritage affairs at the county Heritage Commission, said the county marker application for the Rockaway Historic District is under review and draft text is being prepared. Commissioners said they would plan a public ceremony when the placard is approved.
The meeting ended after brief updates on the town budget (the school tax rate increase was noted), a sinkhole repair near the housing authority being addressed by the town, a planned five-year property reassessment and a budgeted update to the town’s historic-property survey.
The commission did not approve the minutes (the body tabled them to next month) and adjourned at about 8:26 p.m.
